Some squibs from the footrace for seats on the Non-Partisan Association's board of directors: as some of our astute readers may already know, that competition has attracted a late entrant. Today, former association school board candidate Elyn Dobbs circulated an email notifying members that she'll be on the ballot. Meanwhile, we're told Armida McDougall won't be taking to the field, despite an earlier report to the contrary. And fellow realtor Kilby Gibson's campaign will be minus one vote at the association's annual general meeting. It turns out Ms. Gibson made a prior family commitment to be in New York on that date. The following is a complete copy of Ms. Dobbs's email.

From: Elyn Dobbs
Sent: April 7, 2006 11:23 AM
To: Undisclosed-Recipient
Subject: Elyn - NPA Board Candidate

Hello.

Just a quick note to let you know that I am stepping forward as a candidate to be elected to the NPA Board of Directors at the AGM next Wednesday, April 12th (6:30 pm at Heritage Hall). Since my bio did not make it in time for the print mailout, I wanted to let you know that my name is on the list of candidates. My bio is below for your information, and I understand all the candidate bios will be posted on the NPA website shortly.

Please make time to attend and vote at the AGM next Wednesday - and encourage others to come out as well. I look forward to seeing you there!

Thanks.

Cheers,

Elyn

**************************

ELYN DOBBS

Experience, leadership and a passion for community involvement.

Educated at UBC, the Sorbonne and the University of Bielefeld, I have had careers in teaching, administration and property management. Most important to me, however, is my volunteer work with non-profit societies during the past 20 years: strata council treasurer; West-End Keep Vancouver Spectacular event organizer; Parent Advisory Council chair; Vancouver School Board planning and facilities task force and emergency preparedness committee co-chair; provincial-level board and policy committee member.

Being involved in civic governance is an extension of that community service - it is fundamental to the democracy that supports all the things we are privileged to enjoy. In 2002, I was an NPA school board trustee candidate, and then worked to prepare the 2005 trustee candidates.

The job of members of a board of directors involves caring and hard work. It focuses around three responsibilities: to the membership, to the organization as a whole, and to the board itself. A modern organization maintains open and transparent operations and keeps itself healthy by reviewing its structures regularly, continually improving its communication processes, encouraging discussion amongst its members, and by building the capacity of individuals through education, information and enhancing their involvement.

I look forward to contributing my skills and knowledge to serve and strengthen this organization and its members.